The Easter Cup at Caulfield has not been as successful for the Lindsay Park operation as the day’s other feature, the Victoria Handicap.
Ben, Will and Jd Hayes will be shooting for their third straight win in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) on Saturday with Here To Shock and Cafe Millenium, whereas in the Group 3 Easter Cup (2000m) they will be chasing their first success.
Since the turn of the century, Lindsay Park has won the Easter Cup just once with Jet Away, who was successful in 2013 when prepared by David Hayes.
The Hayes brothers hold a strong hand in this year’s race with Bankers Choice and Plymouth engaged in an open betting race.
Bankers Choice is stepping out for the second run of his campaign having finished third, beaten under two lengths at the hands of Birdman, in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on March 14.
That was Bankers Choice’s first outing since contesting the Caulfield Cup (2400m) last October, but the stayer had been given a thorough grounding for his return run.
J D Hayes said that was evident by his performance in the Peter Young Stakes.
“Enormous,” Hayes said of the run.
“It was as good a first-up run that he has had in his career I would think.
“He’s right on track for the 2000 metres and it looks right in his sweet spot.”
Bankers Choice has been tasked with carrying 60kg on Saturday and will be ridden by Daniel Stackhouse and is currently a $15 chance in betting.
Last start Albury Cup runner-up Plymouth is rated a better chance in betting at $7.50 and will be partnered by Luke Currie.
Plymouth has been steadily building fitness for his campaign and finished fourth to Tom Kitten in the Kevin Heffernan Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on February 7 before running fourth to Birdman in the Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on February 28.
“He was very good in the Albury Cup,” Hayes said.
“He was genuine and did everything right, but I think he will appreciate getting back on his Melbourne leg.”
